Tax return is nearly $3000 LESS because I worked part-time last year!

[ccgirl]

And its the govts job to take money from one person and give it to another? Really??[/]

Have you ever lived on money that qualifies you for EIC? We have a responsiblity to make sure everyone in our country is able to eat, have shelter and clothing. Without that check once a year, there are many that would not be able to pay for the gas to heat thier home or their child's school clothes for the next year.

I am so sick of hearing "just work 5 jobs and work yourself out of it". And if you are a single mom with 3 small children, what are you supposed to do with them? I don't know about where you live, but here there are no overnight child care centers. And not everyone has a friend or relative that can do it. I was lucky, I was able to work 2 jobs because I had my mom and dad. I was able to work one during the day to make the bulk of my pay and then worked at night knowing I would move up to a much better position. Even WITH both jobs I STILL qualified for EIC! And I knew several other single moms who didn't have parents to help or anyone to keep their child at night so they could work. For them things were a lot harder.

A married couple cannot always work and not pay child care. If you have more than one child, it just about will not pay for both parents to work but yet with only one working they qualify for EIC.

It is always easy to pass judgement or play "what I would do if I ran the government" when you have never had to let your child do without, not so easy when you have walked in those shoes.


So you seriously think that the government should go after those that are barely making it now? They don't pay taxes so put them on the street? Is that it? Or maybe you think the government can force places like McD's or Walmart pay more so that the folks working there won't qualify? Or the jobs that are dependent on the weather--the government should make the weather cooperate so that their pay doesn't go down to nothing during the wet winter months?

And I am not even touching the fact that some of our military qualifies for EIC because it makes me sick that we do not value these heros more than that but then YOU think we shouldn't give them that either? Ok, so YOU go fight in Afghanistan. Looking at the charts some posted, many police officers and firemen would qualify too, but oh we don't need them either do we?

Do I have a problem with those making over $150,000 paying extra taxes? No. I am not going to be all up in the air if they don't either. But, at least I know that if they pay extra, they will still have food, clothing and shelter.

As for the OP being a SAHM, if it is costing her family for her to work then she should stay home. Unless she has a better position on the horizon and that is the benefit of working now, it would be stupid to cost her family money to hold down a job. Personally, I would sit down and figure the gas, child care, clothing, lunches, whatever expenses she has from working and subtract that from the money she makes. At the small amount she made, if she is paying child care chances are it is costing her to work regardless of what it did to her refund check.

This is just like those endless threads that go on and on about the food stamp queens that are out buying junk food or steak and lobster (depending on which thread you read) with their food stamps. And of course EVERYONE has stood behind that woman at Walmart that said "I need a raise, I think I will have another baby". There will always be those that think of tax refund, school financial aid refunds, or government assistance as something they are entitled to. But that is NOT the majority. How many of you went to the store and saw the mom loading up on groceries, buying her kids some shoes and clothes, buying tires for her car and said "I bet she got her tax refund!" Not many, because we don't notice them. Those buying the big screen TVs stand out of all of us but they are really in the minority. Most just see that refund check as a leg up and a way to provide some neccesities for their family this year.

So....your money is more valuable than mine?? Just because my DH and myself make "good" money does not mean our money is any less valuable than those making less. We incurred significant student debt to pay for educations that allow us to make good money. Our jobs are only during the day so we have to pay for two children in daycare to the tune of almost $20,000. Guess what....it was our choice. We all have choices. We made good decisions. We waited to have children until we were married, in a home and able to provide for the children ourselves. Having been laid off twice, I do realize that situations can change and a family who was able to provide for themselves may not be able to now. By the way, growing up poor with no roof over our head sleeping on couches of my mom's friends gave me an incentive to work harder so my children would not have to go through that. I did not learn to mooch off the system and take everything I can. My mom never got welfare or food stamps. She just worked her butt off and lived within her means. She was a single and had no child support coming in. I get people need help but I see too many people using the gov't support as a way of life rather than a stepping stone. Just my two cents....

OP - did you contribute to retirement when you were working? Will it be more difficult to re-enter the workplace if you leave? I think those are things to consider as well. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Anjelica]

but if the only babies born were the ones that the parents could afford, most of us probably wouldn't be here.

I don't agree with that. I think most of us adults today were "afforded". Now, I can't say the same thing about children being born in this day and age (see previous post regarding babies born on medicaid in the state of Illinois are 50%). Sure my father was career Navy and mom worked at the Bank - we didn't have alot of stuff - heck my dad worked a part time job (again while he was full time Navy) to give us good a good Christmas.

 

[summerrluvv]

No idea if those two examples are true or not..

Anyway, overspending in one area justifies wasting money in another, not to mention creating a society where people expect entitlements on the back of the other taxpayers? Seriously, have you been sleeping when they talk about the $14 trillion debt???

Of course they are true. I think you are wasting your energy berating folks that qualify for a measly tax credit when the 14 trillion dollar debt is likely coming from crap like what I posted. Focus your energy on congress, what they spend, how they fly in private planes, stay in luxury hotels, etc. and not on the working class americans

 

[SaraJayne]

Actually, you're the one who's insisting that lack of a paycheck = lack of respect. Most people say lack of a paycheck = lack of a paycheck. It doesn't have anything to do with a person's value to society.

Are we reading the same thread?

Most of this this thread has been if you don't earn a paycheck, you aren't a "productive member of society", and you are a drain on the country's financial system.

 

[kamik86]

I just want to point out that this isn't just something that happens with EIC. My husband will quit his job when we have children. He only makes $9 an hour currently and the hours aren't always regular so child care would be a pain.

If we paid for child care he would barely make any money, or he could just quit and our child could be raised by a parent... the second option seems much nicer to me.

And even with a child and without him working I'm almost positive I still wouldn't qualify for EIC.

Edit: Just looked up the numbers. Definitely still wouldn't qualify even with multiple kids.

Really the situation applies to any parent with relatively low income or high child expenses...

 

[morgan98]

but if the only babies born were the ones that the parents could afford, most of us probably wouldn't be here.

Long time lurker, but I rarely post.

While this statement has some truth do it, we need to really look at the definition of "afford." Yes, it would be difficult for many people to "afford" children if "affording" means funding 100% of a private college education while taking $25k vacations every year, etc.

However, I do believe you can raise and afford children on moderate incomes without needing EIC or other government subsidies.

Having a child is a choice and should involve some planning. While I understand things happen that make people need temporary assistance, it is completely different to try to raise a family of 3 children making $12/hour without a plan to better your situation.

 

[Acklander]

Because the wealthy are not getting gouged, they are the probblem???

So the easy answer is to cut programs like EIC and other entitlements and get back to dangling the carrot in front of people instead of creating welfare lifers..

How about we start by cutting corporate welfare.

As far as getting back to dangling the carrot??? And who is going to be the one doing the dangling???? Many Americans are getting tired of big corporations dangling the carrot telling them to work more hours, for less wages, and be damned happy that they have a job, while the CEO's are collecting record bonuses and whining about how they have to pay taxes.
Have you seen what's been going on in Egypt? Don't you think there are groups forming here that feel the same way???
If you don't want EIC then how about paying a living wage, then it won't be an issue.

 

[summerrluvv]

Are we reading the same thread?

Most of this this thread has been if you don't earn a paycheck, you aren't a "productive member of society", and you are a drain on the country's financial system.

Are YOU reading the same thread? LOL....I've read that you can make close to 50K, qualify for the EIC and are still a NON PRODUCTIVE member of society.

To get the EIC you HAVE to work. Go take a peek at the chart that tells how much someone will get. It's on the IRS site. The person that said someone she knows works for a couple of a weeks a year to qualify for the EIC and gets thousands. That's pretty much hogwash. Doesn't work like that unless his/her hourly wage is astronomical for that 2 week period.

 

[allison443]

Income limits to qualify for the EIC

$43,352 ($48,362 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
$40,363 ($45,373 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
$35,535 ($40,545 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
$13,460 ($18,470 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

I hardly consider a family making $48,362 to be NON PRODUCTIVE members of society. What an asinine statement.

Interesting!
I am not too familiar with the EIC (other than these threads which seem to pop up every year on the dis, lol) I am not criticizing anyone for taking the credit.
But some have said it is for the "working poor". I'm curious if those of you who receive it consider yourself the "working poor"? I always pictured that as someone who worked earning minimum wage. Now people earning minimum wage (even if both spouses worked) would obviously qualify, but depending where you live, if one spouse is earning the salary listed above, that wouldn't be what I consider poor. Especially compared to the minimum wage worker.
Again, depending on cost of living in your area, etc.

Interesting discussion!

 

[HHSTigerFan]

Of course they are true. I think you are wasting your energy berating folks that qualify for a measly tax credit when the 14 trillion dollar debt is likely coming from crap like what I posted. Focus your energy on congress, what they spend, how they fly in private planes, stay in luxury hotels, etc. and not on the working class americans

That "measly" tax credit costs the American taxpayers close to $50B each year, and thats just one entitlement.. Get the 60 million households paying no taxes to pay $1500, thats another $90B... those two measures right that creates $150B in additional revenue/decreased spending..

 

[Acklander]

However, I do believe you can raise and afford children on moderate incomes without needing EIC or other government subsidies.

.

EIC is a tax credit, not a government subsidies. There were tax credits for 1st time home buyers. I would hope that the home buyers were able to afford to buy the homes without the tax credit, but it was still a credit that was available and many people applied towards their taxes. I'm sure there are many working class people who can afford to have their children without needing the EIC, however that is a credit that is available that they are entitled. It's not welfare, it's a tax credit.

 

[Muushka]

Are we reading the same thread?

Most of this this thread has been if you don't earn a paycheck, you aren't a "productive member of society", and you are a drain on the country's financial system.

I am puzzled by this statement. If someone does not work (they are not producing) and need welfare (they are draining).

It does not make them a non-person or a lesser person. And certainly if it is a temporary setback, it is understandable.

But for people to be constantly relying on the government, then yes, they are draining the country's financial system.

 

[HHSTigerFan]

EIC is a tax credit, not a government subsidies. There were tax credits for 1st time home buyers. I would hope that the home buyers were able to afford to buy the homes without the tax credit, but it was still a credit that was available and many people applied towards their taxes. I'm sure there are many working class people who can afford to have their children without needing the EIC, however that is a credit that is available that they are entitled. It's not welfare, it's a tax credit.

Its a refundable tax credit ,so yes, its welfare.. If we as a country are now paying people to live in the country, its a subsidy..

 

[arihillfarm]

And its the govts job to take money from one person and give it to another? Really??[/]

Have you ever lived on money that qualifies you for EIC? We have a responsiblity to make sure everyone in our country is able to eat, have shelter and clothing. Without that check once a year, there are many that would not be able to pay for the gas to heat thier home or their child's school clothes for the next year.

I am so sick of hearing "just work 5 jobs and work yourself out of it". And if you are a single mom with 3 small children, what are you supposed to do with them? I don't know about where you live, but here there are no overnight child care centers. And not everyone has a friend or relative that can do it. I was lucky, I was able to work 2 jobs because I had my mom and dad. I was able to work one during the day to make the bulk of my pay and then worked at night knowing I would move up to a much better position. Even WITH both jobs I STILL qualified for EIC! And I knew several other single moms who didn't have parents to help or anyone to keep their child at night so they could work. For them things were a lot harder.

A married couple cannot always work and not pay child care. If you have more than one child, it just about will not pay for both parents to work but yet with only one working they qualify for EIC.

It is always easy to pass judgement or play "what I would do if I ran the government" when you have never had to let your child do without, not so easy when you have walked in those shoes.


So you seriously think that the government should go after those that are barely making it now? They don't pay taxes so put them on the street? Is that it? Or maybe you think the government can force places like McD's or Walmart pay more so that the folks working there won't qualify? Or the jobs that are dependent on the weather--the government should make the weather cooperate so that their pay doesn't go down to nothing during the wet winter months?

And I am not even touching the fact that some of our military qualifies for EIC because it makes me sick that we do not value these heros more than that but then YOU think we shouldn't give them that either? Ok, so YOU go fight in Afghanistan. Looking at the charts some posted, many police officers and firemen would qualify too, but oh we don't need them either do we?

Do I have a problem with those making over $150,000 paying extra taxes? No. I am not going to be all up in the air if they don't either. But, at least I know that if they pay extra, they will still have food, clothing and shelter.

As for the OP being a SAHM, if it is costing her family for her to work then she should stay home. Unless she has a better position on the horizon and that is the benefit of working now, it would be stupid to cost her family money to hold down a job. Personally, I would sit down and figure the gas, child care, clothing, lunches, whatever expenses she has from working and subtract that from the money she makes. At the small amount she made, if she is paying child care chances are it is costing her to work regardless of what it did to her refund check.

This is just like those endless threads that go on and on about the food stamp queens that are out buying junk food or steak and lobster (depending on which thread you read) with their food stamps. And of course EVERYONE has stood behind that woman at Walmart that said "I need a raise, I think I will have another baby". There will always be those that think of tax refund, school financial aid refunds, or government assistance as something they are entitled to. But that is NOT the majority. How many of you went to the store and saw the mom loading up on groceries, buying her kids some shoes and clothes, buying tires for her car and said "I bet she got her tax refund!" Not many, because we don't notice them. Those buying the big screen TVs stand out of all of us but they are really in the minority. Most just see that refund check as a leg up and a way to provide some neccesities for their family this year.

 

[marie1203]

If only this, if only that. I think we have a society that lacks in responsibility. People just want what is easier. Most people take advantage of government programs. I think as a society we should help to those in need but not to those that abuse the system. And also agree 100% with people that said that people should only have kids that they can afford. I have a neighbor that takes advantage of the system and it drives me crazy. Her husband is in the military, she just got pregnant with her 3rd child and had over $20,000 in credit card debt. She was so happy to hear that when the new baby comes she will qualify for food stamps! They never budget and they buy whatever they please (ex: his digital camera stop working but it was still under guaranty he decided to just go buy a new one because he didn't want to go to the post office to mail it). And for someone that said that they were illegal immigrants but got taxes back that is not possible. You can't file without social security number.

 

[Acklander]

but depending where you live, if one spouse is earning the salary listed above, that wouldn't be what I consider poor. Especially compared to the minimum wage worker.
Again, depending on cost of living in your area, etc.

Interesting discussion!

It's done on a bell scale .look at one of the calculators. If you earn 43,000, and are a single parent with at least 3 children, your EIC credit would be less than 10.00

 

[sam_gordon]

Its not the governments job to take my money and give it to others, thats what charities are for.. this country needs to realize that or it won't be around for future generations to benefit from.. We HAVE to get people off the government nipple, its that simple..

And charities NOW can't serve all the people they'd like to. And YES, it IS the government's job to take your money and give it to others. People's taxes pay for public schools, regardless of whether they have kids attending those schools. Federal tax money goes to projects in other states, whether you will ever visit that state or not.

I agree 100% there are people who abuse the system. Of course, short of revamping the entire tax code (which I'd be for), more money would have to be spent to track down the abusers.

Here is one for you.....my hubby works in construction...one of the employee's isnt an American citizen nor is his family members.....he(makes about $12 an hour) and his wife(who works very little) got back over $8000....many many thousands of dollars MORE than they paid in.....$1000 of that was money they should have gotten back last year....so actually this years return was $7000 plus last years $1000 equals $8000 return....I clearly do not understand....they have two small children so I am sure EIC is a big part of the refund......

Of course, that's less than $25K. Let's even say his wife's salary pays for Medicare, Social Security, local taxes, etc. So they're trying to raise a family of four on $25K a year. I sure wouldn't want to do that.

Of course, someone is going to say they can both work opposite schedules so they don't need to pay for daycare. But of course, you'd need to allow them to sleep, wouldn't you?

 

[HHSTigerFan]

And charities NOW can't serve all the people they'd like to. And YES, it IS the government's job to take your money and give it to others. People's taxes pay for public schools, regardless of whether they have kids attending those schools. Federal tax money goes to projects in other states, whether you will ever visit that state or not.

But those programs are not redistribution of wealth like the EIC is, schools for example, will benefit or have been a benefit to everyone at some point..

This country will not be around in 100 years unless we change our mentality..

 

[Acklander]

This country will not be around in 100 years unless we change our mentality..

Of course the country will be around in 100 years. You and I won't be, but the country certainly will be

 

[sam_gordon]

If only this, if only that. I think we have a society that lacks in responsibility. People just want what is easier. Most people take advantage of government programs. I think as a society we should help to those in need but not to those that abuse the system. And also agree 100% with people that said that people should only have kids that they can afford. I have a neighbor that takes advantage of the system and it drives me crazy. Her husband is in the military, she just got pregnant with her 3rd child and had over $20,000 in credit card debt. She was so happy to hear that when the new baby comes she will qualify for food stamps! They never budget and they buy whatever they please (ex: his digital camera stop working but it was still under guaranty he decided to just go buy a new one because he didn't want to go to the post office to mail it). And for someone that said that they were illegal immigrants but got taxes back that is not possible. You can't file without social security number.

I agree there are people who abuse the system. But, let's be practical. Look at the sample family you posted about. What should the government be allowed to do? Tell them they're not allowed to have any more kids? Do you want to give that kind of power to the government? Tell them they won't get any more money if they have more children? So you potentially have children going hungry?

As you said, it's easy to say "if this, if that". So come up with a solution. I still say (can't remember if I said it in this thread or another one) go to a flat tax. For every $10K you make, you pay 1% in federal taxes. Cap it at 20%. So if someone is making $90,000, they pay 9% in taxes. Someone making $250K, pays 20%. No credits, no deductions. The IRS spent $11B in 2009 to bring in $2.3T. How much of that could be cut if you simplify the tax code?